UPCL releases a revised Assistant Engineer (2008-09 batch) seniority list based on High Court orders dated 04.06.2025. Get details on the updated list, reasons for revision, and ongoing legal challenges impacting promotions.
Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) has issued a significant update regarding the final seniority list for Assistant Engineers (Electrical & Mechanical / E&S) from the 2008-09 selection year. This Office Memorandum, dated June 04, 2025, outlines the determination of the seniority list in compliance with directives from the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand. This update is crucial for all Assistant Engineers from the affected batch, as it directly impacts their service conditions and future promotions.
Important Update Overview
| Organization | Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd. (UPCL) |
|---|---|
| Subject | Determination of Final Seniority List for Assistant Engineers (2008-09 Batch) |
| Date of Latest OM | June 04, 2025 |
| Key Decision/Status | Revised seniority list determined based on High Court orders, currently under further legal challenge (Stay Application filed). |
| Affected Posts | Assistant Engineer (Electrical & Mechanical / E&S) |
Background of the Issue
The issue of seniority for Assistant Engineers in UPCL has been a subject of prolonged litigation, leading to multiple judgments from the Uttarakhand Public Services Tribunal and the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand. Disputes often arise concerning the inter-se seniority between direct recruits and promotees, and the applicability of various service regulations, including the U.P. State Electricity Board Services of Engineers Regulations, 1970 (as amended) and the U.P. State Electricity Board Servants’ Seniority Regulations, 1998.
Key Changes and Revised Seniority List
In adherence to recent court orders, UPCL’s Office Memorandum No. 2608/Sub-Collector/Section-III, dated June 04, 2025, has determined the ‘final seniority list’ for Assistant Engineers (V.E.R. – likely referring to a specific cadre or branch) promoted through sub-category/direct recruitment in the selection year 2008-09. This determination follows a report by a government-level committee established to ensure compliance with the court directives. The memorandum includes a detailed list of affected employees, specifying their recruitment type (promoted/direct recruitment) and date of joining/promotion.
Impact of High Court Directives
The revised seniority list is a direct consequence of the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand’s judgments. Specifically, the judgment in WPSB 579/2017 (UPCL Vs. B.M. Bhatt & others) and related cases, with the order dated June 27, 2024, and subsequent clarification dated February 14, 2025, mandated UPCL to rectify and fix the seniority of the Assistant Engineers from the 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09 batches. The court’s decisions have been pivotal in guiding this re-determination process.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Despite the issuance of this ‘final seniority list’, the matter remains under legal scrutiny. A Stay Application (No. …of 2025) has been filed in the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand at Nainital on June 13, 2025, challenging the Office Memorandum dated June 04, 2025. This application seeks to stay the effect and operation of the new seniority list and prevent any promotions to the post of Executive Engineer based on it, pending the final decision of the petition. Furthermore, the seniority list itself is explicitly stated to be subject to the final outcome of other ongoing High Court cases (WPSB 268/2023 Manoj Kumar & others vs. Uttarakhand Government & others, and WPSB 319/2023 Sunil Kumar Gautam & others vs. Uttarakhand Government & others).
Who is Affected?
This notification primarily affects Assistant Engineers (Electrical & Mechanical / E&S) who were part of the 2008-09 selection year, including both those directly recruited and those promoted through sub-category. Their current seniority status and eligibility for subsequent promotions are directly influenced by this revised list and the ongoing legal proceedings.
Action Required for Affected Employees
Based on the nature of such departmental notifications and ongoing legal disputes, affected employees are advised to:
- Review the Official Memorandum: Carefully examine the Office Memorandum dated June 04, 2025 (and its annexures, if provided separately) for their specific details and position on the seniority list.
- Stay Informed on Legal Proceedings: Keep track of the status of the Stay Application (dated June 13, 2025) and the other High Court cases (WPSB 268/2023, WPSB 319/2023) mentioned in the notification. Legal outcomes will directly impact the finality of this seniority list.
- Consult Legal Counsel: If there are concerns about their specific seniority or potential impact on promotion, it is advisable to consult with legal experts specializing in service matters.
- Departmental Clarification: For any ambiguities or specific queries, employees should seek clarification from the relevant personnel or HR department within UPCL.
Important Dates & Documents
| Document | Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Hon’ble High Court Judgment in WPSB 579/2017 | June 27, 2024 | Directed UPCL to fix seniority for Assistant Engineers. |
| Hon’ble High Court Clarification Order | February 14, 2025 | Further clarification regarding seniority fixation. |
| UPCL Office Memorandum (Final Seniority List) | June 04, 2025 | Issued the revised seniority list for 2008-09 batch. |
| Stay Application filed in High Court | June 13, 2025 | Challenging the OM dated June 04, 2025. |
| Ongoing cases | WPSB 268/2023, WPSB 319/2023 | Final seniority list subject to decisions in these cases. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the purpose of this notification?
This notification from UPCL is to inform affected Assistant Engineers about the newly determined ‘final seniority list’ for the 2008-09 selection year, issued in compliance with Hon’ble High Court orders. It addresses long-standing disputes regarding seniority.
Q2: Why was the seniority list revised?
The seniority list was revised to comply with specific judgments and directives from the Hon’ble High Court of Uttarakhand, which ordered UPCL to re-determine and fix the seniority of Assistant Engineers from the affected batches.
Q3: Is this seniority list final?
While the Office Memorandum refers to it as a ‘final seniority list’, the document explicitly states that it is subject to the final decision of ongoing High Court cases (WPSB 268/2023, WPSB 319/2023). Additionally, a Stay Application has been filed against this OM, which means its immediate implementation for promotions might be paused.
Q4: What should affected employees do now?
Affected employees should carefully review the official memorandum, monitor the progress of the ongoing court cases, and consider seeking legal advice if they have concerns about their individual seniority status or its impact on their career progression.
Q5: How does this impact promotions?
This seniority list is critical for determining eligibility and order for future promotions, particularly to the Executive Engineer posts. However, due to the pending Stay Application and other ongoing cases, any immediate promotions based solely on this list might be affected or put on hold until further clarity from the courts.
Q6: Where can I find the detailed seniority list?
The detailed seniority list would typically be appended to the official Office Memorandum. Affected employees should refer to the full document on the official UPCL website or through their departmental channels.
Q7: What are the ‘U.P. State Electricity Board Services of Engineers Regulations, 1970’ and ‘U.P. State Electricity Board Servants’ Seniority Regulations, 1998′?
These are the foundational service rules and seniority regulations that govern the recruitment, service conditions, and promotion aspects of engineers in the erstwhile U.P. State Electricity Board, which continue to be relevant for UPCL in Uttarakhand unless superseded by new regulations.